I'd have never believed that 20 years ago. . . .

by red_stag Sun 26 Jun 2011, 8:01 pm

First topic message reminder :

Simple enough really. What have been the biggest changes in rugby over the last 20 years. If you were told something about the modern game 20 years ago what would amaze you most. It could be that a Munster v Leinster fixture is capable of drawing in 80,000 fans. That after their World Cup win in 1987 the All Blacks still haven't manage to win another RWC trophy. Or even the amount of internationals who are born overseas.

Who knows. Its up to you. If you were told something about todays sport in 1991 what would have shocked you most?

by disneychilly Mon 27 Jun 2011, 4:57 pm

Think I was at the bar too.

by caoimhincentre Mon 27 Jun 2011, 4:59 pm

that 27 is actually young

by Mickado Mon 27 Jun 2011, 8:05 pm

caoimhincentre wrote:that 27 is actually young

by BATH_BTGOG Tue 28 Jun 2011, 9:14 am

That Hollywood would make a film about a gay rugby union/league player

by Guest Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:04 pm

[quote="glamorganalun"]

That Welsh Rugby would go regional.

In name only, it may be more accurate to say Wales only has 4 club teams

Boring. Without meaning to interrupt the flow of this thread, I knew somebody would post guff like this. I've taken you to task about you saying the Dragons are not a region before and you were found wanting. Start a thread on it please.

I never would have believed that Risca RFC (an actual club) would have played on the cabbage patch (Millennium Stadium/National Stadium as it was then)

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:15 pm

BATH_BTGOG wrote:That Hollywood would make a film about a gay rugby union/league player

Or that there'd be an out gay rugby player. In Wales, of all places!

by Effervescing Elephant Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:24 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

... that Exeter Chiefs would finish their first season in the Premiership in a comfortable 8th

That Exeter would, for some reason, be called the Chiefs!

by aucklandlaurie Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:33 pm

That we'd be able to lift in the lineout.............

by debaters1 Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:44 pm

To broaden a theme posted by a few Irish people. That in a professional sport, that Ireland would be sitting at the top table, completely unreliant to England (or anywhere else for that matter) to support our best players etc.

Credit where credit is due to the IRFU. The resisted the creation of the Rugby World Cup, the resisted the game going professional. So as to maintain their control (and lets be honest, a certain amount of disdain too) over their players and clubs, the went with Central Contracts & the use of the Provincial system to fulfill their requirments etc.

Then one day early enough in the Pro era, they woke up to the potential of this process they had resisted and to the value of the players and what they offered them and how the old servant master relationship was dead. Since then (until the ticket pricing fiasco in November 2010/6N 2011) they have not put a foot wrong commercially. They have helped/made the provinces develope the game while keeping it fically sound as well as ensuring the cream of Irish talent is nurtured at home without an over reliance on NIQ's to be competive.

My only gripe is that we effectively have no 7's team and I am worried that we are missing a trick there, if only because with the explosion in the game and the advent of rugby 7's at the Olympics, what they see as a cost is actually an opportunity for another revenue stream. Look at Twenty:20 and what it has done for Cricket.

Even something as radical as spliting the U-20's into a 7's team could be an option. Or a merger of a few players from each province from the B & I Cup teams. I think the IRB 7's Series squads are around 14-15 guys, so realisticall selecting from a pool of 30 players wuld be possible.

And it would help our young player to understand and exploit space while maintain the importance of breakdown technique and efficiency. And seeing as pretty much every player ends up at dummy half several times a match, bolster practical knowledge is respect of recycling & distribution.

That my two cents anyway!

by XR Tue 28 Jun 2011, 12:47 pm

AlynDavies wrote:
Cari wrote:That players would get so big!

That Alfie Thomas got caught in bed with Arwel Thomas on a tour to the USA in the 90's.

That Lee Bryne would be caught Dogging with another man!

Scandals!

by glamorganalun Tue 28 Jun 2011, 4:43 pm

[quote]quote="glamorganalun"]

That Welsh Rugby would go regional.

In name only, it may be more accurate to say Wales only has 4 club teams

Risca:

However you word the above statement we only have 4 team playing at the highest level, I could be more accurate and say 3 teams and the Dragons are playing in the AMLIN.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 28 Jun 2011, 5:23 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t8053-one-cap-wonders-who-missed-out-on-playing-for-another-country#225671

...the GreyGhost would still be banging on about player eligibility qualifications!!!

Man, for the love of the Maori gods, pls pls move on, I know you've got so much more to give to this forum thumbsup

by Guest Tue 28 Jun 2011, 6:11 pm

glamorganalun wrote:Risca:

However you word the above statement we only have 4 team playing at the highest level, I could be more accurate and say 3 teams and the Dragons are playing in the AMLIN.

Yeah, you could if you wanted to do something pointless.

Good explanation as to why the Regions aren't Regions. I'll await your article with baited breath.

by Gibson Tue 28 Jun 2011, 6:48 pm

I'd never have believed that 20 years ago...

That I'd still be a virgin. And happy about it too. Wimmin are messy creatures.... on so many levels.

Apparently. I read it in Cosmo.

And easy-pack cheese. That changed civilisation as we know it.

The Regions are not working. What to do Welsh fans?

I know. Why not go out and support your "local region" and see what happens. That might help.
That and building from within. Instead of wasting time & money, on players who have no affinity or loyalty to - said regions. Specially the Welsh players - since gone to France. And/or - on de pish.

See Dragons and Scarlets as an example, for all things right about Welsh Rugby.

The other, "Top" two, are an unmitigated, long-term - disaster.

by tecphobe Tue 28 Jun 2011, 7:03 pm

id say your being a bit hard on the blues there gibbo. The blues have so much on their plate to deal with, the rhonda, the move to the new stadium the gross mismanagment by the pie man. They have still manged to develop a shead load of players reach a heinken semi and win the amlin in the last couple of seasons. The ospreys while allegedly being the one true region well i dont like to intrude in private grief.

by Draigoch Tue 28 Jun 2011, 7:05 pm

Cannot tell if Gibson is half-serious or not...

Hm, 20 years is bit too far back for me - but if I'm allowed...

Through the nineties and into the early 2000's I thought Welsh rugby was doomed to hold on to that brief memory when we had players, and a team, that was the envy of the world and we were on a downward spiral into ranking somewhere similar to our football standings. Since then we have netted 2 grand slams, one IRB player of the year and 15 Lions in 2009.

I actually do believe that Wales are on a (albeit often stunted) upwards curve. Ring the boys in the white coats...

by asoreleftshoulder Tue 28 Jun 2011, 7:50 pm

That rugby would become a major player in Irish sport.

I started watching the game when I came home on a saturday after playing soccer and the 5 Nations would be on.Ireland always got hammered except when we played Wales in Cardiff and it kept me entertained until the A-Team came on.

I'm from Meath and never saw a rugby ball in real life until I was 16,the game just didn't exist in Ireland outside a few hotbeds.It's still way behind and I think the best way to illustrate this is to compare the number of clubs in Meath.

There are 23 hurling clubs in Meath,there are 5 rugby clubs in Meath and hurling is by some distance the third most popular field sport in Meath behind gaelic football and soccer..2 of the 5 clubs are less than 3 years old but it's only going to increase as the game gets more popular and Irish rugby is in the unique position in the NH of having no real competition from another major professional sport.

by Gibson Tue 28 Jun 2011, 8:00 pm

Draigoch,
I am fully half-serious. It is in the interests of us all, that Welsh rugby takes its rightful place at club and International level. At the very Top.

It pains me to see what's happening right now. I watched ye in the 70's. It was rugby-porn. Ye won 2 x SLAMs and lived on that in the 00's. False dawns. In the interim, ye nose-dived spectacularly in the 6-N. Check the stats.

In my humble opinion, the situation and lack of direction now, is not good for Wales. Not good for us all in the ML and 6-N. The WRU needs a Genesis Report. And to act on it with venom. guinness

And get rid of Gatland after the RWC. He's a Jobber. He doesn't give a flyin phook about your Country's future. Only the possibility, that one day - he may coach the Blacks. He wont.

by tecphobe Tue 28 Jun 2011, 8:12 pm

Gibson wrote:Draigoch,
I am fully half-serious. It is the interests of us all, that Welsh rugby takes its rightful place at club and International level. At the very Top.

It pains me to see what's happening right now. I watched ye in the 70's. It was rugby-porn. Ye won 2 x SLAMs and lived on that in the 00's. False dawns. In the interim, ye nose-dived spectacularly in the 6-N. Check the stats.

In my humble opinion, the situation and lack of direction now, is not good for Wales. Not good for us all in the ML and 6-N. The WRU needs a Genesis Report. And to act on it with venom.

And get rid of Gatland after the RWC. He's a Jobber. He doesn't give a flyin phook about your Country's future. Only the possibility, that one day - he may coach the Blacks. He wont.

I agree with you gatland the true measure of the man is that he knows exactly when to upsticks and move on

by Gibson Tue 28 Jun 2011, 8:57 pm

asoreleftshoulder wrote:That rugby would become a major player in Irish sport.

I started watching the game when I came home on a saturday after playing soccer and the 5 Nations would be on.Ireland always got hammered except when we played Wales in Cardiff and it kept me entertained until the A-Team came on.

I'm from Meath and never saw a rugby ball in real life until I was 16,the game just didn't exist in Ireland outside a few hotbeds.It's still way behind and I think the best way to illustrate this is to compare the number of clubs in Meath.

There are 23 hurling clubs in Meath,there are 5 rugby clubs in Meath and hurling is by some distance the third most popular field sport in Meath behind gaelic football and soccer..2 of the 5 clubs are less than 3 years old but it's only going to increase as the game gets more popular and Irish rugby is in the unique position in the NH of having no real competition from another major professional sport.

Superb, open and honest post.

And from a feicin Meathman as well. guinness

The times they are a changin a chara.

Shaggy, Shaggy, Shaggy. Darcy from Wexford. Kearney from Louth. O Brien from Carlow. More and more boggers coming through for us. Come on down Kildare, Laois, Kilkenny,Offaly, Longford and even - Westmeath

And right now. It's a steam-train that wont be stopped. The deal is already done.

Leinster kids (some of these lost childer are ex-Lunsters) - have watched 2 x HC wins. Both won - with a certain class , which separates them from Munster. Some, now, want to be a BOD or a SOB. Not a Messi or a Ronaldo. To actually aspire to play for their local rugby team. Rather than to feed the riches of the English Soccer Prem, or FIFA. That's really what aspires kids to switch codes.It has to be sexy. Not grunge. And that, is the key to Leinster being a rugby superpower for years to come.

It's the Leinster Way.

Believe.

by tecphobe Tue 28 Jun 2011, 9:12 pm

Gibson wrote:
asoreleftshoulder wrote:That rugby would become a major player in Irish sport.

I started watching the game when I came home on a saturday after playing soccer and the 5 Nations would be on.Ireland always got hammered except when we played Wales in Cardiff and it kept me entertained until the A-Team came on.

I'm from Meath and never saw a rugby ball in real life until I was 16,the game just didn't exist in Ireland outside a few hotbeds.It's still way behind and I think the best way to illustrate this is to compare the number of clubs in Meath.

There are 23 hurling clubs in Meath,there are 5 rugby clubs in Meath and hurling is by some distance the third most popular field sport in Meath behind gaelic football and soccer..2 of the 5 clubs are less than 3 years old but it's only going to increase as the game gets more popular and Irish rugby is in the unique position in the NH of having no real competition from another major professional sport.
. I said that earlier gibbo rugby shirts being spoted in places were i had only seen gaa shirts before. If the ulster council can do hurling taster sessions in the shankill then the ulster branch should be trying to get into places like ardboe bellaghy glenulin etc. lads like the bradley brothers if intoduced earlier could of played pro rugby i recon

Superb, open and honest post.

And from a feicin Meathman as well.

The times they are a changin a chara.

Shaggy, Shaggy, Shaggy. Darcy from Wexford. Kearney from Louth. O Brien from Carlow. More and more boggers coming through for us. Come on down Kildare, Laois, Kilkenny,Offaly, Longford and even - Westmeath
And right now. It's a steam-train that wont be stopped. The deal is already done.

Leinster kids (some of these lost childer are ex-Lunsters) - have watched 2 x HC wins. Both won - with a certain class , which separates them from Munster. Some, now, want to be a BOD or a SOB. Not a Messi or a Ronaldo. To actually aspire to play for their local rugby team. Rather than to feed the riches of the English Soccer Prem, or FIFA. That's really what aspires kids to switch codes.It has to be sexy. Not grunge. And that, is the key to Leinster being a rugby superpower for years to come.

It's the Leinster Way.

Believe.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 28 Jun 2011, 9:38 pm

It wasnt worth repeating Wink

by Gibson Tue 28 Jun 2011, 9:48 pm

Ooh yes it was.

Exeter Pict. 8) <guillotine>

by tecphobe Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:10 pm

didnt includ my comment with the qoute i said what id like to see now is the ulster branch in places like bellagy and glenullin if the the gaa are in shankhill promoting hurling.

by tecphobe Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:11 pm

i have no doudt that the likes of the bradley boys could of made pro rugby players.

by Cymroglan Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:13 pm

Deleted due to being posted twice

by Cymroglan Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:13 pm

tecphobe wrote:didnt includ my comment with the qoute i said what id like to see now is the ulster branch in places like bellagy and glenullin if the the gaa are in shankhill promoting hurling.

If that happens again all you need to do is press the Edit option,, You can then change it.

by Gibson Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:24 pm

Or... just click the "X" button above yer post and delete it. That does it. Saved my life on here.

Failing that... NEVER tell the Truth.

My experience of it is - they're not ready for it. So go gently. guinness

by Cymroglan Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:35 pm

Gibson wrote:Or... just click the "X" button above yer post and delete it. That does it. Saved my life on here.

I dont have that option it only shows Edit

by Cymroglan Tue 28 Jun 2011, 10:49 pm

Cymroglan wrote:
Gibson wrote:Or... just click the "X" button above yer post and delete it. That does it. Saved my life on here.

I dont have that option it only shows Edit

Plan B it does have the X on posts that I have not edited.

by Guest Wed 29 Jun 2011, 8:28 am

Gibson wrote:I know. Why not go out and support your "local region" and see what happens.

Gibbo, I've said this before. It isn't rocket science though is it, but yet so many Welsh rugby supporters can't see it. Support your local region and attend games. Watching games on tv does not constitute being a supporter. Let's use the "Gwent" based Ospreys as an example. Buying a shirt does not mean you back your region. Get in your car and get to the Liberty if you want to call yourself a supporter.

There are too many ready made excuses with the Regions. I can empathise with the North with regards to travel, but a South Walian who's never been to their "home" stadium is unforgivable. That's where the money is made at the end of the day.

by **George Carlin** Wed 29 Jun 2011, 9:00 am

That Inverdale still thinks it's appropriate to unbutton his shirt almost to his waist.

by dummy_half Wed 29 Jun 2011, 9:15 am

That England would have as many RWC titles as the All Blacks. How the ferk did that happen?

(Both from the perspective of England becoming for a short time the best team in the world, and from the ABs not having taken another title).

Did think of saying that England had more RWC winners than NZ, since the 03 side was all English, and then we can claim John Gallagher back from the 87 ABs (and doesn't his presence in that side tell you all you need to know about the competence of England's selection in the mid 80s?)

by red_stag Wed 29 Jun 2011, 9:16 am

Risca Rev wrote:
Gibson wrote:I know. Why not go out and support your "local region" and see what happens.

Gibbo, I've said this before. It isn't rocket science though is it, but yet so many Welsh rugby supporters can't see it. Support your local region and attend games. Watching games on tv does not constitute being a supporter. Let's use the "Gwent" based Ospreys as an example. Buying a shirt does not mean you back your region. Get in your car and get to the Liberty if you want to call yourself a supporter.

There are too many ready made excuses with the Regions. I can empathise with the North with regards to travel, but a South Walian who's never been to their "home" stadium is unforgivable. That's where the money is made at the end of the day.

by nganboy Thu 30 Jun 2011, 2:22 am

dummy_half wrote:That England would have as many RWC titles as the All Blacks. How the ferk did that happen?

(Both from the perspective of England becoming for a short time the best team in the world, and from the ABs not having taken another title).

Did think of saying that England had more RWC winners than NZ, since the 03 side was all English, and then we can claim John Gallagher back from the 87 ABs (and doesn't his presence in that side tell you all you need to know about the competence of England's selection in the mid 80s?)

IF England win it this year then we'll be amount even then Whistle

by Gunner Thu 30 Jun 2011, 11:20 am

That Afghanistan was about to join the IRB!
Should have known the Taliban would have mastered the
seedy art of scrummaging quick smart!

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Thu 30 Jun 2011, 11:33 am

No question that its the rise in Irish rugby thats taken people by suprise. Maybe the national has yet to assert itself at the top table, but this world cup could really be the defining point of the new era.
Even if they fail to get past the quarters the rise in the Irish provincial game and levels of interest and participation are quite remarkable, especially given that theres no obvious reason why its happened other than a gradual upward curve and taking advantage of the collapse in the Welsh club game to form the Celtic league.
The decline of Welsh rugby was perhaps more predicatbale with the moves toward professionalism.

Perhaps the suprise is that so little else has changed. The balance of power in the global game isnt really any different to what it was. Predictions that the PIsland teams would suddenly become contenders for a world cup have been proven wide of the mark. Even Italy joing the X Nations hasnt really changed their relative position in the trough significantly.

by HammerofThunor Thu 30 Jun 2011, 11:58 am

That I would have any interest in rugby what-so-ever

by glamorganalun Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:12 pm

Peter:

[quote]Irish provincial game and levels of interest and participation are quite remarkable, especially given that theres no obvious reason why its happened other than a gradual upward curve and taking advantage of the collapse in the Welsh club game to form the Celtic league.
The decline of Welsh rugby was perhaps more predicatbale with the moves toward professionalism.

You have noticed while many one eyed Welsh supporters South of the M4 think our structure is fine!

by red_stag Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:15 pm

Professionalism was such a massive change for so many teams. The Irish had nothing to lose and gained so much from it. The Welsh are still getting the system right after 17 years.

The structure of a system is vital. I know the game is won and lost on the pitch but the right system brings in fans and money, develops talent, puts the game in the limelight and makes it attractive market for the top class names.

by welshy824 Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:20 pm

how much time and effort gets spent on getting the best performance out of a rugby shirt rather than sticking on a plain cotton shirt and getting stuck in

by Shifty Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:26 pm

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:No question that its the rise in Irish rugby thats taken people by suprise. Maybe the national has yet to assert itself at the top table, but this world cup could really be the defining point of the new era.
Even if they fail to get past the quarters the rise in the Irish provincial game and levels of interest and participation are quite remarkable, especially given that theres no obvious reason why its happened other than a gradual upward curve and taking advantage of the collapse in the Welsh club game to form the Celtic league.
The decline of Welsh rugby was perhaps more predicatbale with the moves toward professionalism.

Perhaps the suprise is that so little else has changed. The balance of power in the global game isnt really any different to what it was. Predictions that the PIsland teams would suddenly become contenders for a world cup have been proven wide of the mark. Even Italy joing the X Nations hasnt really changed their relative position in the trough significantly.

What an odd statement...
Success is measured in Grand slams and Wales has won the same amount in 6 years that Ireland have since 1873!
For all Ireland "success" as you call it they have only 1 Grand slam in this golden generation and that generation looks pretty much over after this World Cup. Club successes go up and down, Ireland have had a few good years, but I doubt it will last when you consider the calibure and money that the French clubs are throwing around.
Finally when you talk about the raise of Irish rugby, and the demise of Welsh rugby it's worth noting we did beat them last time!

by red_stag Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:30 pm

Alyn we all have our own benchmark. I really couldn't give a fiddlers about lack of Grandslams. Nobody wins everything. We aren't running the whole show but we are consistently a tough team to beat both dometically and internationally. All in all I've had a lot of smiley days with Ireland Smile

by doctor_grey Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:32 pm

I wouldn't have believed the game I came up playing would evolve into this (mostly) thoroughly professional sport we have today. A complete and total revolution in only 20 years. I am still amazed.

by debaters1 Thu 30 Jun 2011, 5:42 pm

Alun,

If all is well with Welsh rugby, then why are so many players either a) leaving Welsh regions, b) involved in illjudged behaviour in a public place c) the ongoing love/hate relationship with the National Coach of the day d) the fact that club cycles or not, Wales have I think 3 HC semi-finalists since 1999 (inclusing) Ireland have 5 winners, 2 beaten Finalists, and maybe 10 semi-finalists. Oh and e) a FAR inferior compared to Ireland win ratio since the 6 Nations began.

by Guest Thu 30 Jun 2011, 6:05 pm

[quote="glamorganalun"]Peter:

Irish provincial game and levels of interest and participation are quite remarkable, especially given that theres no obvious reason why its happened other than a gradual upward curve and taking advantage of the collapse in the Welsh club game to form the Celtic league.
The decline of Welsh rugby was perhaps more predicatbale with the moves toward professionalism.

You have noticed while many one eyed Welsh supporters South of the M4 think our structure is fine!

Instead of writing rubbish like this, write an article. All you do is reiterate the same sentences without substance and you just typify why a few people from your neck of the woods are stuck in the past dinosaurs.

I've asked you to write an article on this saying why you think Regional Rugby isn't working and more specifically why the Regions aren't Regions and you still haven't. Move with the times, or try having a bit more substance to your points rather than just throwaway lines.

by asoreleftshoulder Thu 30 Jun 2011, 6:38 pm

AlynDavies wrote:[

What an odd statement...
Success is measured in Grand slams and Wales has won the same amount in 6 years that Ireland have since 1873!
For all Ireland "success" as you call it they have only 1 Grand slam in this golden generation and that generation looks pretty much over after this World Cup. Club successes go up and down, Ireland have had a few good years, but I doubt it will last when you consider the calibure and money that the French clubs are throwing around.
Finally when you talk about the raise of Irish rugby, and the demise of Welsh rugby it's worth noting we did beat them last time!

Since when did Grand Slams become the measure of success.If Italy get 3 wins a season for the next 5 6Nations have they not succeeded.

It's all relative and Ireland is coming from a position where rugby was such a minority sport that the vast majority of kids in the country never even touched a ball never mind had the chance to play it.These days it's still a minority sport but it's growing at a massive rate and there is no stoppping it,as I said before rugby has no real competition in Ireland,G.A.A. is both a summer sport and an amateur organisation while soccer is of a pretty low level and will never grow as all the best players move to England as soon as they show the slightest bit of potential.

Also you say you doubt our club success will continue since the French clubs are throwing so much money around.I think we'll only get stronger,there are more and more kids starting to play the game and I really don't think many people realise just how much growth potential there still is in Ireland.

by Gibson Thu 30 Jun 2011, 6:52 pm

red_stag wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:
Gibson wrote:I know. Why not go out and support your "local region" and see what happens.

Gibbo, I've said this before. It isn't rocket science though is it, but yet so many Welsh rugby supporters can't see it. Support your local region and attend games. Watching games on tv does not constitute being a supporter. Let's use the "Gwent" based Ospreys as an example. Buying a shirt does not mean you back your region. Get in your car and get to the Liberty if you want to call yourself a supporter.

There are too many ready made excuses with the Regions. I can empathise with the North with regards to travel, but a South Walian who's never been to their "home" stadium is unforgivable. That's where the money is made at the end of the day.

It IS that simple Rev. We well know you (and others) do your bit and have been pushing others to do the same for years now. More numbers = more money. More money to invest in the respective regions and in Wales' future. Money to invest in vital academy development - which in turn - pays huge dividends in the years to come. I like whats happening at Dragons and Scarlets. They are producing and bringing through - home-grown talent. Out of necessity.Nobody is going to convince me that Wales hasn't the same amount of raw-talent as any of the other home-Nations. They have.

It's a snowball effect. And it's not just all about shekels either. The bigger the crowds the better the teams play - has been my experience at Munster, Ulster and Leinster. People need to take a leap of faith and get behind their regions. Moaning and living in the past - will change nothing. Also, I really believe that the WRU needs to rethink where they are going. They need their own Genesis Report. It has to be open, brutally honest and the decisions taken from it - enforced.

There is no quick-fix. But showing faith, in backing your region with your feet and yer arrse on a seat - on matchday - is a great start. People have to feel the initial pain, to enjoy the long-term gain.

As a Leinster fan for yonks - I know all about the pain. But man - Im really enjoying the gain now.

by glamorganalun Thu 30 Jun 2011, 6:56 pm

Debaters:

You have Alun and Alyn mixed up.

Risca:

I did not write the comment regarding Welsh rugby going backwards I quoted another poster. Since you are so keen to put a different post on regional rugby why don't you do it stating why regional rugby is working so well and why the crowds are flocking to see their regions (not) and why the Dragons and the other teams do so well in the HC.

I await your post with no interest.

by debaters1 Thu 30 Jun 2011, 7:08 pm

glamorganalun,

I didn't, merely a slip of my finger on the keystroke, 'y' and 'u' are beside eachother and I was typing fast (for me)

As for the resistance to the regions and their apparent failings and failures. Well I'll ask you, do you think the old clubs would have done any better in Europe or improved the over all performance of the Welsh National team, given the regional competition in the form of the Irish Provinces, the Scottish Regions, now the Italian Regions and of course, the clubs in the Jeff and Top 14?

by Sponsored content